Riccarton House & Bush

Riccarton House & Bush Make our Christchurch history a part of your New Zealand experience - Riccarton House & Bush

Riccarton House & Bush is a unique New Zealand heritage site consisting of two historic buildings, flanked by beautiful open parkland and ornate gardens, bordered by the River Avon and set against extensive native bush forest featuring Kahikatea trees up to 600 years old. This tranquil 12 hectare reserve is located just 3.5 km from Christchurch city centre. In 1843 the area known to Maori as Putar

ingamotu – “the place of an echo” – became home to the pioneering Deans family, the first Europeans to settle the Canterbury Plains. The family’s dramatic story of endurance and tragedy; of dreams, love and promises, is woven into the fabric of these beautifully restored buildings and emerges as you explore the house, grounds and beyond. Join us for a guided tour of Riccarton House, visit Deans Cottage, take a peaceful stroll through the verdant bush or wander the park grounds before enjoying morning/afternoon tea, lunch and superb coffee, either in the Drawing Room restaurant or outside in our rose garden courtyard.

One year ago today, the first steps were taken on our new boardwalk in Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush 🌿After five years of...
08/06/2026

One year ago today, the first steps were taken on our new boardwalk in Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush 🌿

After five years of tireless fundraising, planning, and community support, the vision for a new boardwalk started to take shape. Ranger Mike, Shona (Riccarton House manager), Rangers Assistant Bex and the wider Riccarton House and Bush clan teamed up with Morgan and Pollard, Kamo Marsh, StopDigging New Zealand to bring this project to life.

The result? A more accessible way for everyone to experience the last remaining native podocarp forest on the Canterbury Plains, something pretty special to be part of.

Have you been yet?

🕐 Open everyday from 6.00am - 6.30pm

👻 NEW DATES ADDED 👻Good news, ghosties!Our popular Ghost Tours are back with two additional evenings to explore the dark...
03/06/2026

👻 NEW DATES ADDED 👻

Good news, ghosties!

Our popular Ghost Tours are back with two additional evenings to explore the darker side of Riccarton House. Step into the shadows, hear the stories that refuse to rest, and experience the house after hours.

New tour dates:
👻 Wednesday 29th July (7.00pm - 8.30pm)
👻 Monday 3rd August (7.00pm - 8.30pm)

These tours sell out quickly, and with limited spaces available, booking early is strongly recommended.

Dare to join us?

Book now: https://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/
Tickets are $25.00 per person. Adults only (18+).

Can you dig it? 🌻Join Alan for a Guided Garden Tour at Riccarton House and discover the stories, seasonal highlights, an...
02/06/2026

Can you dig it? 🌻

Join Alan for a Guided Garden Tour at Riccarton House and discover the stories, seasonal highlights, and hidden gems of our beautiful grounds.
Whether you're a keen gardener or just enjoy a good wander, Alan’s tours are full of insight, charm, and plenty of fresh air.

Come along and see the gardens through a whole new lens!

Email Tracey for more information: [email protected] or check out our website www.riccartonhouse.co.nz

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, warm up, and explore the stories hiding behind our heritage walls. Join one of...
01/06/2026

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, warm up, and explore the stories hiding behind our heritage walls. Join one of our guided tours and:

🏠 Soak up the cosy atmosphere inside the historic homestead
🏠 Hear fascinating tales of the Deans family and early Christchurch

Our knowledgeable guides bring the past to life.
Bookings are recommended as tour numbers are limited.

👉 Reserve your spot now: https://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/

Riccarton House will be closed on Monday 1st June for the King's Birthday 👑The Grounds, Gardens and bush remain open eve...
28/05/2026

Riccarton House will be closed on Monday 1st June for the King's Birthday 👑

The Grounds, Gardens and bush remain open everyday (6.00am - 6.30pm).

From "attitude adjusters" to "leveraging legacy dairy infrastructure," our collection items continue to demonstrate rema...
26/05/2026

From "attitude adjusters" to "leveraging legacy dairy infrastructure," our collection items continue to demonstrate remarkable versatility at Riccarton House.

Take a tour! Bookings are essential.
https://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/

25/05/2026

The Deans Cottage, edited with unnecessary dramatic intensity for reasons that remain unclear 🏠

20/05/2026

Despite having resigned, Ranger Mike continues to contribute to heritage preservation in measurable ways.

19/05/2026

Find your version of calm just 3kms from the city centre at ancient Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush 🌳

Address

16 Kahu Road
Christchurch

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

033411018

Website

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